Fire Damaged Apartments During Fireworks in Richmond County
Fire damaged apartments in the 900 block of Stevens Creek Road in Richmond County late last night.
Augusta-Richmond County firefighters were called to the scene just before 11 pm.
The caller reported hearing fireworks for over two hours before noticing a fire on the top of the building.
“The caller immediately began knocking on doors, informing residents of the fire and urging them to evacuate,” according to the fire department.
Officials said the blaze required a full response from the fire department.
“A total of 16 units burned. One minor injury was reported by a young lady who escaped from her balcony. Residents were put in contact with the Red Cross,” said fire officials.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire Damaged Apartments and Officials Urge You to be Cautious When Lighting Fireworks
- Use fireworks outdoors only
- Only adults should be allowed to light fireworks of any type
- Always have water handy (a hose or bucket)
- Only use fireworks as intended
- For ground-based fireworks, viewers should be 35 feet away. increase the safety distance to at least 150 feet. If you’re handling the fireworks, never lean over the fireworks when lighting the fuse.
- Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. To ensure stability, light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface.
Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.